A53704:484
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schism / by John Owen.An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schisme / by John Owen.
London: printed by J. Richardson for Nath. Ponder, 1681
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(1.) That all the Ministers or Officers of it, be duly chosen by the Church it self, and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fundamental unto Church Order, the Root of it, from whence all other Parts of it do Spring. And it is that which is [Greek or Hebrew] or expressly provided for in the Scripture, as we shall see. If there be a Neglect herein, and no other Relation required between Ministers, Elders, Rulers, Bishops, and the Church, but what is raised and created by Ways and Rules of mens appointment; or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office, without a solemn Call, Choice, Ordination, and Separation unto the Office itself and its work, the Law of Christ is violated, and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation.
(1.) That all the Ministers or Officers of it, be duely chosen by the Church it self, and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fundamental unto Church Order, the Root of it, from whence all other Parts of it do Spring. And it is that which is 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 or expresly provided for in the Scripture, as we shall see. If there be a Neglect herein, and no other Relation required between Ministers, Elders, Rulers, Bishops, and the Church, but what is raised and created by Wayes and Rules of mens appointment; or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office, without a solemn Call, Choice, Ordination, and Separation unto the Office itself and its work, the Law of Christ is violated, and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation.
(2.) That those who are called unto the Office of the Ministry be duly qualified, by their Endowment with Spiritual Gifts for the Discharge of their Duty, is fundamental unto the Ministry; That the Lord Jesus Christ doth still continue his Dispensation of Spiritual Gifts unto men, to fit and enable them unto the Office and Work of the Ministry; that if he doth not do so, or should at any time cease so to do, the whole Office of the Ministry must cease, and the Being of the Church with it; that it is altogether useless for any Churches or Persons to erect an Image of the Gospel Ministry by outward Rites and Ceremonies, without the enlivening form of these Spiritual Gifts, I have proved sufficiently in my Discourse of Spiritual Gifts and their continuance in the Church. Wherefore a Communication of Spiritual Gifts peculiarly enabling men unto the Work of the Ministry, antecedent unto their solemn Separation unto the Office, in some Good Measure, is absolutely necessary unto the due continuance of the Office and its Work; See